John Kinsella

The Dam Busters

— for John Forbes

A brown-shouldered kite’s plunge
mimics the deep hum of a high voltage
powerline in damp weather, its angular
flight pinpointing departure
on the dam’s curved wall. The science
we have learnt to mistrust
lurks smugly behind steel-plated doors,
our safety resting surreally
in its neo-classical charms,
while a bomber with a swollen stomach
approaches at low altitude
and you mutter under your breath
‘everyone that fucks up gets shot down’.